A Froward Heart

'They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the Lord, but such as are upright in their way are His delight.' ~ Proverbs 11:20

This was a verse from our Sunday School lesson this week in my young ladies grade 6-8 class. I am thankful to be one of the teachers of the class, and we have been doing in depth studies of different topics found in the book of wisdom, Proverbs.

'Froward' might be a new word for you. Some of your Bibles might say 'crooked' or 'perverse.'

To be froward is to be defiant, disobedient, difficult to deal with.... you get the idea.

This verse has been on my mind constantly since I heard one of the young ladies read it aloud. If I have a 'froward, defiant, disobedient' heart that I am 'loathed!' (abomination)

What a sobering thought! Of course, I know that we all want to have wise hearts; hearts that are compassionate and obedient to what we know we should do. But is that always how I am?

If I am honest, I would have to admit that at times my heart has been 'froward.' I have been difficult for some to deal with at times, and probably stubborn. I don't think any of us intentionally tries to be like this. I think that this is human nature.... the sin nature.

We live in a society that tells us that really the one that matters is us! We should please self and not worry so much about how it affects others around us. How contrary this is to what we need to do! We need to be reaching others ... doing what we ca

n for them, encouraging them, lifting them up, being there for others through joy or sorrow.

How I have been praying already this week that God would cleanse those 'froward moments' and impart a heart of wisdom and obedience. That He would keep me upright in my ways, so that I may be a delight to Him.

Imagine, me being a delight to the Almighty! But I can be, if I diligently surrender every day to be used for Him, and to live with wisdom instead of defiance.

Isn't living with joy so much better anyway? How great do we feel when we are hard necked about something? But oh how much better things are when we let that go and embrace the joy that He can give so freely!!!

~ a little one who is enjoying her daddy's new iMac :)

~ freshly fallen snow ... pure and clean!

~ that our hearts can be 'white as snow!'

The month of Love!

As I did my grocery shopping this morning, I was amazed at how many red hearts I saw floating from the ceilings, pink balloons, cinnamon candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, flowers, white and pink napkins and big signs reminding me that Valentine's Day is on the 14th. Like I could forget with all that around me! ;)

I got to thinking about how we have one day a year that is devoted to 'love.' And then I started thinking about the love of God! His love for us requires nothing from us ... there is no other love like His to me! Wasn't it love that drew Him to the cross, and held Him there? His love for me and His desire to redeem me!

The scripture is clear that He first loved us and that is why we love Him! ~ 1 John 4:20

And what can separate us from His love? Nothing!! ~ Romans 8:35-39

Isn't that an amazing thought? That He would love me so much that He would offer up His life a sacrifice for my pardon! I often think of standing before the judge and being sentenced to death and then One stands up and says that He will take my punishment. Do I know him? No .. never seen him before in my life. But there he is, offering to take the debt that I owe. Incredible!

Do I thank Him every day for this love, or is it just in this month that it comes to mind?! This love of His requires nothing from me, but He gave everything. God so loves me ... can you feel that love? Can you feel that love enveloping you and lifting you up? I hope so!

And what about those around us, our family and friends who mean so much to us? Do we tell them we love and appreciate them, or wait for a day that society chose? Let's use the day given to us, each day, to share His love, most importantly, and expressing our love for those around us who mean so much!

As this 'month of Love' continues, may you feel His wonderful love, and share it with others!

~ a God who loves me regardless of my faults

~ whispering 'i love you' in my honey's ear

~ hearing little voices say, 'i love you mommy!'

~ the love of God .... immeasurable ....